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The Winnipeg Jets Five Reasons for Improvement Next Season

By Kyle McCarthy

WINNIPEG, MB - MAY 20: Winnipeg Jets players salute the fans following a 2-1 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights in Game Five of the Western Conference Final during the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Bell MTS Place on May 20, 2018 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. (Photo by Darcy Finley/NHLI via Getty Images)
WINNIPEG, MB - MAY 20: Winnipeg Jets players salute the fans following a 2-1 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights in Game Five of the Western Conference Final during the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Bell MTS Place on May 20, 2018 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. (Photo by Darcy Finley/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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WINNIPEG, MB – JUNE 27: Winnipeg Jets forward Kristian Vesalainen (42) takes part in a drill during the Winnipeg Jets Development Camp on June 27, 2018 at the Bell MTS Iceplex in Winnipeg MB. (Photo by Terrence Lee/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

We’ve talked about the draft success of Kevin Cheveldayoff and Co., and it can’t be understated how important that was for the Winnipeg Jets development. But, there’s more in the pipeline.

The easiest, and cheapest, way to fill roster spots on your NHL team is from your own farm. Every team has prospects. Some of them are impressive and full of potential, and some of them are on the Rangers.

But the Jets have a lot left on the farm. Or at least in prospect-dom. The name that comes to the forefront is Jack Roslovic. The 21 year old forward actually played in 31 games last season, which surprised me.

But! He scored five goals and 14 total points, all at even strength. Nothing impressive there. Roslovic is listed as a center but it doesn’t appear the Jets played him there, often, and it reads as though his skill set is better suited on the wing.

He’s fast, he can pass the puck, and he possesses a decent shot. If the Jets weren’t fighting for the division, he may have earned more time last season, especially some powerplay minutes. But he could take a huge, Kyle Connor shaped step this coming season.

Kristian Vesalainen is another player who could see extended time. A big dude with a wicked shot (sound familiar?), he could be a poor man’s Patrik Laine for the bottom six.

Depth is important. Good depth is much more important. If both of these players show what they’re capable of this season, the Jets won’t miss a beat.

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